Tertiary administration

The Ministry of Education, the Tertiary Education Commission and the New Zealand Qualifications Authority administer the further education sector.

Each agency has different areas of responsibility and they frequently work together on initiatives with shared objectives.

Ministry of Education

The Ministry of Education is responsible for the development of the Tertiary Education Strategy and policies in relation to student loans and allowances, Youth Guarantee, foundation education, legislative change, and the tertiary quality assurance system. It also deals with funding policy, fee regulation, tertiary education institution ownership and performance management matters. The Ministry provides strategic policy advice as well as a wide range of research and analysis in relation to the performance of the tertiary sector.

Tertiary Education Commission

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) is responsible for funding tertiary education in New Zealand. They also provide policy advice and implementation across the sector, and support tertiary education organisations to be accountable, self-improving and self-managing. They give effect to the Government’s requirements for tertiary education as outlined in the Tertiary Education Strategy (external link) and act in accordance with their role and responsibilities as set out in the Education Act 1989 (external link). All forms of post-secondary school education and training come under their umbrella. From literacy and numeracy education to academic study, Modern Apprenticeships, work-related training and to doctoral research.

New Zealand Qualifications Authority

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority, or NZQA, administers the National Certificates of Educational Achievement (NCEAs) for secondary school students and is responsible for the quality assurance of non-university tertiary training providers.